Resources for older adults - always pause and check
Many older people use the internet every day - to keep in touch with family, manage finances, shop, read the news, or access health and council services. Being online can increase independence, connection and confidence.
But scammers often target older people because they assume they are trusting, polite, or less familiar with fast-changing technology. Staying safe online isn’t about fear or blame - it’s about confidence, awareness and support.
You don’t need to be an expert to stay safe. The most important tools are time, scepticism, and knowing where to get help.
Start with calm, confident conversations
- Online safety works best when people feel comfortable asking questions or checking things - without embarrassment or fear of judgement.
- Talk openly about scams and online risks with family, friends or carers and recognise they could happen to you - read about other people who have experienced it, so you know what to look out for - find out more on the Think Jessica website, which is a charity dedicated to helping older people stay safe and avoid scams.
- Share experiences - many people have received scam messages, even if they didn’t lose money.
- Reassure yourself and others - being targeted does not mean you’ve done anything wrong.
- Encourage a “pause and check” approach before responding to unexpected messages or calls.
- Normalise asking for a second opinion - especially when money, pressure or urgency is involved.
- If you’re supporting someone else, avoid taking over. Confidence and independence matter just as much as protection.
Many people feel embarrassed or ashamed after being targeted by a scam, which is exactly what scammers rely on to keep people silent. Reassuring friends or family that scams are common and increasingly sophisticated can help reduce stigma and make it easier to ask for help. Encouraging reporting without blame, sharing trusted information within community groups, and looking out for changes in behaviour that may suggest someone is being targeted can all make a real difference. A calm, supportive conversation can help prevent further harm and ensure people get the help they need
Top tips
- Take your time - urgency is a red flag. Always pause and check.
- Never share passwords or security codes
- Use official contact details you find yourself.
- Ask for help before acting, not after.
- Keep learning - technology changes, and that’s OK.
Resources to explore
Understand common scams affecting older people
Scams constantly change, but most follow familiar patterns. Common scam types include:
- Bank or building society impersonation (calls, texts or emails claiming a problem with your account).
- Romance scams (long-term emotional manipulation followed by requests for money).
- Investment and pension scams (“too good to be true” returns or pressure to act quickly).
- Tech support scams (claims your computer has a virus and needs urgent fixing).
- Council, NHS or government scams (fake fines, refunds, or benefit messages).
- Shopping and delivery scams (fake parcels, missed delivery texts, or fake online shops).
Warning signs:
- Pressure to act quickly or keep things secret.
- Requests for passwords, PINs or one-time passcodes.
- Being asked to move money “to keep it safe”.
- Unexpected contact, even if it sounds official.
Remember: Banks, the police, and councils will never ask you to share passwords or move money.
Resources to explore
Create a safer digital environment
You don’t need lots of technology - small steps can make a big difference. Practical steps include:
- Use strong, unique passwords for email, banking and shopping.
- Avoid clicking links or calling phone numbers in unexpected emails or text messages - if you recieve an email that claims to be from an organisation, open the official app or type the website address yourself instead.
- Check website addresses carefully before entering details.
- If managing multiple passwords feels overwhelming, a trusted family member or a password manager can help.
- Keep devices, apps and operating systems up to date - if this feels overwhelming ask a trusted family member to help you - often older grandchildren are brilliant at this type of thing.
- Use antivirus software and allow automatic updates - again if this feels overwhelming ask a trusted family member to help you - often older grandchildren are brilliant at this type of thing..
- If you’re offered extra security when logging in - for example being sent a text message with a code - always choose this, as it adds an extra layer of protection and makes it much harder for scammers to access your accounts.
- Avoid saving your card details online unless it’s a website you trust and use regularly, as this reduces the risk if your account is ever accessed by someone else.
Resources to explore
- National Cyber Security Centre – Staying secure online
- If you think you've received a scam, use the Friends Against Scams 'Ask Silver' artificial intelligence scams checker.
- Keep up to date on the latest scams to watch out for by signing up for scam alerts from Which
Build confidence and digital resilience
Online safety isn’t just about avoiding scams - it’s about feeling confident using digital services.
- Take time to learn new devices or apps at your own pace.
- Ask questions - there are no “silly” ones
- Be sceptical of pop-ups, ads, or messages promising prizes or urgent action
- Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, stop
If supporting someone else:
- Encourage learning rather than avoiding the internet altogether
- Sit alongside rather than taking control
- Repeat key messages regularly - repetition builds confidence
Resources to explore
- Free digital internet skills courses from Staffordshire County Council - pop into your local library to find out more.
- Friends Against Scams online awareness training
Romance scams and what you need to know
Romance scammers often target older people because they may be more likely to seek companionship online, have time to build conversations, or be polite and trusting when approached. Some may be widowed, separated, or living alone, which scammers deliberately exploit by offering attention, affection or emotional connection. These scams can be emotionally distressing as well as financially harmful. Being scammed is never your fault - scammers are highly skilled at manipulation and emotional pressure, and their tactics are designed to deceive anyone.If you think you’ve been targeted:
Scammers often spend weeks or months building a connection, sharing messages regularly and creating a sense of emotional closeness. Once trust has formed, they usually invent a crisis, such as illness, travel problems or financial difficulties, and pressure the person to send money.
Romance scams can take different forms, including:
- Fake online relationships where the scammer invents emergencies and asks for financial help.
- Military or overseas worker scams, where someone claims they can’t meet or access money.
- Investment or cryptocurrency scams, where a “partner” encourages you to invest through fake platforms.
- Social media romance scams, often using fake or stolen photos.
It can be difficult to spot a romance scam, especially when emotions are involved. Some common red flags include:
- Strong feelings or declarations of love very early on.
- Reluctance to meet in person or speak on video call.
- Requests for money, gift cards or cryptocurrency.
- Stories that don’t quite add up or keep changing.
- Pressure to move conversations off trusted platforms.
- Being asked to keep the relationship or requests secret.
If something feels rushed, intense or confusing, it’s important to pause and check.
How to protect yourself
- Take your time getting to know people online - real relationships don’t rush.
- Be cautious if someone avoids meeting, video calling or answering direct questions.
- Never send money or financial details to someone you haven’t met in person.
- Be wary of investment or cryptocurrency advice from someone you only know online.
- Trust your instincts - if something doesn’t feel right, stop and check.
Talking to someone you trust can help bring clarity - always pause and check.
